Life Reflections
The Second Family Car
Hmm…Is One Not Enough?
There comes a time in every family’s life when decisions need to be made about the car. Do we need a second car? Do we buy a new or second-hand one? Can we afford two vehicles? Do we really need a second car?
Important questions, no doubt. Well, at least for the families and individuals that have reached that point in life. If you’re not there yet, you can skip this article and read it in five or ten years.
I don’t think there’s a general “Yes” or “No” answer for anyone. Everyone is different, and there are thousands of variables that can change and can affect that decision. I am writing this to put things in perspective for myself as well.
I guess that when you start thinking of buying a second car, you’re in that place. It doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to do it, but it’s just something at the back of your mind that keeps making noise. Five years ago, for example, I was fairly against the idea, especially when it came to the cost of ownership.
Now, not so much, so here are some of my thoughts and ideas regarding the subject.
Commute, Kids, And Freedom To Move
When you live outside the city, in the city outskirts, as they say, you need a personal car as a means of transportation. Public transport helps, but it cannot fulfill all the needs that you have. Both you and the wife need to get to work. In most cases, you work in different places or maybe have different schedules. With only one car, someone will need to take the bus.
Then there are the kids. Kindergarten or school, extra-curricular activities, parties, and visits. Someone needs to pick them up or drive them to where they need to go. How are you going to do that, if the car is used by your spouse?
I guess the bus will be your friend again, or maybe some helping grandparents if you’re lucky enough. In most cases, you will get away with only one vehicle. For any other situation, you will have to juggle the schedule and negotiate with your partner.
The Second Car Helps Me Make Money
If you don’t have a company car, but you need a four-wheeled machine that helps you generate income, then a second vehicle makes a lot of sense.
Again, it all depends on the type of work you do and how you manage to share it.
Passionate About Cars
For most people, cars serve a purpose, for others, they mean much more than that. They are not only a tool that can get you from point A to point B.
A second car could serve as a passion project, to develop your interior mechanic. You can use it for joy rides or maybe even racing. Of course, it is not a cheap hobby, so it’s not something for everyone, or maybe not for the audience of this article.
The Other Side Of The Coin
The truth is, buying and owning a car or more is expensive. Having one has to justify the cost, and you need to make enough money to take care of it.
“A car will take care of you if you take care of it.”
Two cars will double the cost of ownership, so it is a hard choice to make.
It is not all bad news. You can better preserve your cars when you have more to choose from. You will do more miles in total, but have less wear on each one.
Also, if one breaks, you will have a backup, and not feel like you got stranded. When your car is in the service, it is hard to get used to not having it at your disposal.
What To Do?
Balance your choices, check your finances and make the best decision for you and your family. You are the one that knows best. Let me know what you’ve decided, maybe your ideas will give me a push in either direction.
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